Durga Lal Kc

When it comes to construction business, we can all agree that it is a male dominated field.

There are women workers who carry cement, mortar, bricks and stones at construction sites, but when it comes to actual masons, it is usually men. However, a 27-year-old woman here has proved herself as an exception. Gudanidevi Dagaura Tharu, who hails from Darakh-5 in Dang, is a head mason.

Belonging to a poor family background, Gudanidevi started working at an early age and after years of hard work, she is now a head mason. She learnt and mastered the trade by observing the other masons at work.

“I attended a training workshop for a couple of days to get a certificate, but I honed my skill while working in the field,” said Gudanidevi.

And all her hard work has actually paid off. It has been 11 years since she got into construction business and six years have passed since she became the head mason. Till date, she has supervised the construction of more than 90 buildings, including school buildings, health posts, and offices. Due to her dedication, everyone in Sukkhad asks for her for all construction works. “Since early morning people come to my house with their requests, and despite my busy schedule, I try to manage,” said Gudanidevi.

Even various organisations call for her to provide masonry training to others. “I usually avoid such requests due to my hectic schedule and small payment,” said Gudanidevi.

She said that she teaches those willing to learn about the trade at the site. “They learn the trade and even earn a little money. One should not feel embarrassed about their work, if you work hard enough, success will find you,” said Gudanidevi.

People often find themselves at awe watching Gudanidevi working aloft a bamboo scaffolding. Asked how she does it, she said that she believes that women can work toe to toe with men if given the opportunity.

With her accomplishments, she even succeeded in freeing her daughter, Jugina, who was sent off as Kamlari (indentured girl child labourer) when she was 12-year-old. Jugina is currently a 12 grader. Gundanidvi’s son, Raju, studies and also runs a photo studio. While she goes out to work, her husband runs the house.

 She has five katthas of land in her name, while she has given one bigha land for tenant farming. Due to her busy timetable, Gundanidevi uses daily wage labourers to till the land, which she says is providing employment for the needy.

Published on: 11 March 2014 | The Kathmandu Post